Edom Outside the Bible
The earliest mentions of Edom outside the Bible occur in Egyptian inscriptions of the thirteenth century BC that give both the name Edom and the name Seir. There are no other extra-Biblical references until Assyrian kings claimed tribute from the land about 800 BC and named two kings: Qaus-Malak (c. 730 BC) and Qaus-gabri (c. 670 BC; see note on v. 3). Edom’s domain sometimes extended west of the Arabah (cf. Nu 34:3). In the seventh century BC there is archaeological evidence in the form of pottery and cultic objects for Edomites living in the Negev and a record of Edomites threatening Judahites in the area (Arad Ostracon 24). In Hellenistic and Roman times, the influx of Edomites into the southern half of Judah had become so great that the region was known as Idumea.
The Date of Obadiah
Dating Obadiah’s prophecy is difficult. Edomite enmity is noted on various occasions throughout Israel’s history (e.g., Ps 83), but a date at the time of Nebuchadnezzar’s attacks is attractive. Edomites and others attacked Judah in Jehoiakim’s reign (2Ki 24:2), and shortly afterward Jeremiah urged them to submit to Babylon (Jer 27:3–11). Many find a date after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC persuasive. There is no clear report of Edomites involved in that event, but Ezekiel’s prophecy (Eze 35) against them suggests they may have been; Obadiah implies they at least took advantage of the event. Jeremiah’s oracle against Edom (Jer 49:7–22) contains verses that are similar to Obadiah (compare Jer 49:14–16 with Ob 1b–4; Jer 49:9 with Ob 5). Both perhaps speak of the interval between the Babylonian attacks of 597 and 587–586 BC. Ammon and Moab were apparently subjugated by Nebuchadnezzar shortly afterward, but Edom had a short respite. It was the last king of Babylon, Nabonidus, who probably annexed Edom in 553 BC, leaving a carving on a remote cliff not far from the capital, Bozrah (modern Buseira), to mark his triumph. Signs of destruction by fire from that time have been found in some Edomite towns, and although occupation was resumed, the kingdom of Edom had ended. Finally, others have dated Obadiah closer to 500 BC, reflecting perhaps the reference to the Edomites in Mal 1:4. ◆
Key Concepts
• Natural disasters (like the locust plague in Joel) can serve as the judgment of God, but not all who suffer the consequences should therefore be judged guilty. Such disasters draw our attention to God and stimulate us to self-examination.
• The day of judgment is to be feared, and therefore should motivate us to change our ways.
• Prophecy is more important for what it reveals about God than for what it reveals about the future. Fulfillment is sure, but the message is primary.